Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Foos

DJIBOUTI - With a smile on his face, Chief Mussa of the small Djiboutian village, Camel Douda, welcomes the U.S. Army's Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, and reports that his goats are making a comeback and he has sold one. Upon hearing this, Sgt. Lldemaro Montejo knew he was in store for a good mission.

Montejo led a contingent of U.S. Army 4/78th Battalion, Delta Company Civil Affairs members and volunteers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, on a mission to give needed clothes, soccer balls and a movie for the village located near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 12. It was not the first time that Camp Lemonnier service members visited Camel Douda with its estimated population of 40 Djiboutians. Without electricity and with little resources, it is apparent the village residents appreciate the visits, especially the younger ones.

On this visit, kids intermingled with camp volunteers to play soccer and football. The elders and mothers assisted the youngest to get fitted for clothes. As evening approached, people scurried to find empty crates or other make-shift stools to watch the French-dialect, American-made action movie on a sheet stretched over a fence. According to Montejo, movie night is popular and a long-time favorite.

"Movie Night got started in Djibouti about two years ago by the U.S. Marines," said Montejo. "In a way, it helped break the ice between U.S. Forces and the local populace. It is so successful, it was continued by 4/89th Battalion and now the 4/78th Battalion."

Civil Affairs Sgt. Dimitri Emilien said Camel Douda is one of 10 villages surrounding Camp Lemonnier, and the CA Team is actively analyzing which villages have the greatest needs. The CA Team is dependent on donors for school supplies and clothes. In the meantime, they plan to continue Movie Night.

"Movie Night is performed once a week in the villages that surround Camp Lemonnier that currently do not have electricity," said Montejo.

Delta Company Civil Affairs is responsible for civil affair missions in the city of Djibouti and outlying villages. Operations include gathering civil information, project management, and working closely with all levels of government, among other related work. The village visits are a key part of CJTF-HOA's 3D-approach to its mission, which includes defense, diplomacy and development of East Africa. For more information about Djibouti and CJTF-HOA, visit www.hoa.africom.mil.

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